Local News

A flawed computer system used by front-line social workers can be repaired without exceeding the project’s $182-million budget, Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux said Wednesday.

Four municipalities — Oak Bay, View Royal, Central Saanich, North Saanich — and two Saanich Peninsula aboriginal groups are interested in participating in a deer-reduction pilot project, the Capital Regional District environmental services committee

B.C.’s Education Ministry has selected a replacement for its troubled computer system that tracks student registration, attendance, grades and other records. Fujitsu Consulting (Canada) Inc.

Saanich farm markets will now be able to sell a full range of products — including red meat and prepared foods — after a bylaw change.

Victoria police are satisfied that a fire that quickly consumed a swath of dried brush in Esquimalt’s Rockcrest Park and threatened nearby houses was not set intentionally. Insp. Keith Lindner said it appeared the fire started about 2:40 p.m.

Technology and some common-sense sleuthing led Victoria police to $4,000 worth of stolen photography equipment on Tuesday, along with irreplaceable wedding and engagement pictures. An 18-year-old Saanich youth was arrested.

A DNA sample has been requested by Victoria police from a Surrey man, following a tip that he might be Michael Dunahee. Victoria police Const.

An Island man accused of murdering his partner is without representation after his Victoria lawyer quit this week. Traigo Andretti told the court he did not want a lawyer.

A fashion crime committed early this morning caused havoc for Victoria police. Reports of a couple with a chrome handgun in the backyard of a small white house at 584 John St.

[Update: The victim is in critical condition in Victoria General Hospital] A 55-year-old Central Saanich man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after his motorcycle was hit from behind by an SUV in Victoria today.